ULGE51010 - LEAP German 1 (A1/A2)

  • Credits: 20
  • Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied German before.
  • Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
  • Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
  • Level of attainment: (A1/A2) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
  • Timetable: Click here

Description

This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the German language covering four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It aims to introduce students to the basics of language structure and the basics of German grammar.

Students will also acquire limited vocabulary to be able to read simple texts and conduct a basic everyday conversation in key areas of everyday communication.

The course provides students with a solid foundation for further language learning.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to: 

  • handle some of the basic grammatical structures of German;
  • understand and read, some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write simple messages;
  • communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
  • have some understanding and knowledge of the ways of German life & culture.

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1/A2 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.

This will also include online digital learning available via Blackboard and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

Teaching hours

69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independen study hours

140 hours (not including assessment time).

Assessment

All assessments are summative.

Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.

Semester 1

  • Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's semester 1 exam period in January

Semester 2

  • Listening exam; 10% weighting; held in week 11
  • Speaking exam; 30% weighting; held in week 12
  • Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's semester 2 exam period in May/June

Dates to be confirmed.

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Dorit Fellner-Whitgreave

Taught by

TBC

Maximum entry

23 per group.

Set texts

Menschen A1, Kursbuch mit DVD-ROM, Hueber Publisher, ISBN: 978-3-19-101901-3

Menschen A1, Arbeitsbuch mit 2 Audio-CDs, Hueber Publisher, ISBN: 978-3-19-111901-0

Recommended texts

Grammatik - ganz klar! Übungsgrammatik A1-B1 (Hueber 2011), ISBN 978-3-19-051555-4

Übungsgrammatik Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Grammatik - kein Problem, Cornelsen Verlag, ISBN 978-3-589-01598-6

Kurzgrammatik zum Nachschlagen und Üben. A Compact Grammar for Reference and Practice (A1-B1), by Monika Reimann. (Hueber 2010), ISBN 978-3-19-109569-7

Fit in Grammatik A1/A2, Taschentrainer , by Anneli Billina. (Hueber 2010), ISBN 978-3-19-357493-0

Pathway

ULGE51020 LEAP German 2 (A2)

Students may be able to proceed to ULGE51030 - LEAP German 3 (B1) subject to:  

  • achieving a mark over 80%
  • agreeing to study independently the material recommended by the language tutor to reach the Common European Framework level required at the end of ULGE51020 LEAP German 2 (A2)
  • an entry-level assessment carried out by the tutor

By taking this option students agree to cover the material recommended by the language tutor independently. They will be taking this at their own risk and they are not allowed to move back to ULGE51020 LEAP German 2 (A2) or ask for a refund.